Approved. | Is Peroxide OK?? I now enjoy sharing information with others and providing answers where I can. Youll save money. If your clarinet is made of wood, the body will eventually need to be treated with bore oil. Use a few drops on a clean swab and pull it through the instrument. 5. Over time, you will eventually encounter a sticky key that doesn't open or close reliably. Both of these brushes are gentle enough to not cause scratches but will do the job. If you dont Take the reed off, gently dry it off, and store it in a reed case to prolong its life and prevent bacteria growth. Also, by putting the mouthpiece cover on while not playing, you reed will be protected. This image is
not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If youve spotted any of these issues, youll want to pay a visit to your local musical instrument repair shop. So repeat the process with a few more drops of oil and pulling the swab through. Using gloves, wet the sponge with hydrogen peroxide solution and sponge the solution gently into the fabric. Sunshine kills the mold, and charcoal removes the odor. Cracks start small and can be remedied if caught quickly. You can saturate it in mouthwash, sterisol or vinegar. Thanks. This can make it difficult to take apart your clarinet and if the cork becomes brittle and breaks off, can affect the sound of your instrument. I generally wash them in warm soapy water and then follow up with a good wipe down with either peroxide, or clorox (only if the keywork is NOT silver). Home FAQ How To Clean A Moldy Clarinet. Dry all items completely. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Rub the posts with tissue to remove any gunk. If you do that, you will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so don't even think about it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Wash the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. In a small container, big enough for the mouthpiece, put together a solution of half water and half either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. To prevent the corks from drying out and becoming compressed, lubricate them using cork grease. Once you are done, the last step would be to oil the bore of your clarinet using bore oil. Doing this, protects the wood used on your clarinet from absorbing too much condensation and eventually cracking. After loosening the ligature screws, you can remove the ligature and your reed. Without further discussion lets begin to know how to clean a clarinet? Last Updated: December 18, 2022 A paper receipt or tobacco paper (for hand-rolled cigarettes) are both thin enough. As the son of a music teacher, I know firsthand the importance of keeping instruments clean and maintained. Rather than submerging the entire cover in the water, clean only the areas that need it. A lint roller can also work to pick up specks from the velvet interior. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). There is little information about clarinets. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Replace your mouthpiece patch. Use sterisol or another disinfectant to clean your mouthpiece. Youll be surprised at how quick the whole process goes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Rinse the fabric with the second sponge and clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least three times. What are some things that may not be so great about being a pediatrician? Be sure to clean the reed case as well; dish soap, vinegar, or even something like Lysol will remove germs and mold spores. WebTo clean the reed, soak it in mouthwash for about 1 minute then rinse it under warm water. Loosen the ligament. Run the mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any built up residue. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Charlotte Moore is a Clarinetist by profession and has over time offered lessons on how to play the clarinet among other musical instruments. "Good reminder to clean more often. Then, with your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the way around that cork seal. When it comes to cleaning the mouthpiece, you will need to use a mouthpiece brush or a toothbrush. For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. Besides that, lubricating the keys prevents rust and ensures durability. Each time the instrument is played, the reed should be removed and the clarinet wiped out (swabbed) Be very careful when handling the reed. If, after you remove the paper, you see that its an open circle, you may have a leak where that circle is open. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If you see any spots that you missed, you can use a cotton swab (yes, like Q-tips for ears) to get the tricky spots. With the case open shake it upside down over the garbage or outside to get rid of any free dirt or lint. Fill out the form and lets get started! If it comes out easily, youve found the leaky pad. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 3. You may use a lint free cloth to clean the outside of your instrument. You won't have to hold it if you want to polish it; just stand it up and get to work! Hold on a secwas there any cleaning supplies you needed for your instrument? Its also about protecting your instrument. In this case, 83% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. You should clean your instrument after you play, and cork grease it at least once a week. Over time, the cork can dry out or break down. Next, use a vacuum on anything still left in the case. Vegetative mold (the stuff that you see growing) will not grow if the RH is below 50%. That moisture if not removed, can cause mold, affect how the clarinet plays and may even cause the wood to crack over time. Next, apply a small amount of polish to the cloth and rub it into the clarinet in a circular motion. Use a cleaning swab to clean the mouthpiece of the clarinet. Swab: A swab is one of the most important pieces of equipment youll need to keep your clarinet clean. How do you sanitize a used clarinet? Wash your mouthpiece once a week. If the bore or tenon is dry, youll need to apply bore oil. Shots can't help but ask if the good doctor isn't being a wee bit alarmist. What does it mean when your boyfriend takes long to reply? You can also get a funky smell from the reed, case, or keys. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. For the body of the clarinet, you can wipe each joint with a soft cloth (microfiber or cottoneven an old, clean t-shirt) to remove dirt and other debris. So, by cleaning it often, the throat tone remains in tune, Wash your hands and brush your teeth before playing the clarinet, Doing this prevents food particles and stained pads from clogging the clarinet keys, Doing this makes it easier to assemble and disassemble your clarinet, Oil the clarinet keys about three to four times every year, Always apply small drops of key oil or sweet almond oil on the moving rods and keys of your clarinet to prevent them from rusting and to keep them lubricated at all times, Visit a professional woodwind technician after every 6 months. Take the pieces apart and dry the tenons (these are the places where the joints of the horn fit together). References Once you are done, you need to use a microfiber or silk swab to remove any excess moisture from the body of your clarinet before placing it back into it case. If the Q-tip doesnt come out clean, repeat the cleaning process until you are satisfied with the results. You should also remove the reed and the ligature carefully to avoid damaging them. If you notice black mold on your clarinet, it is time to discard it. Along with that, regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid expensive repairs and clarinet damages associated with neglect and improper care. How do I take the polish off my clarinet mouthpiece to make it look rustic? How can I show my gratitude on my birthday? Grease the joint cork. Mold can be removed from a clarinet by using a polishing cloth to wipe down the instrument, and then using a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn mold spots. Lightly press the key and lightly pull on the paper. For a clarinet, youll want to use an M oil (for medium). wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Next, rinse out the mouthpiece water. You can either soak your mouthpiece in these, or to use less, pour the mouthwash or Sterisol over and down into the chamber so that everything gets saturated. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. With your key brush (or cotton swab), clean off any moisture or other residues from each key. However, the string may get wrapped around your other clothes, or can get stuck in the agitator. Use the small brush in your Clarinet Care Kit or a baby-size soft toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces. Remove any keys or rods trying to get to the dirt on the body. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. A good pad set should last 10 years but can wear out quicker if exposed to too much moisture. Take clarinet Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Finally, use the toothbrush to reach any small crevices and remove any remaining dirt or polish. Here are the 10 steps to properly clean your clarinet and then well go into each of these in more detail. Wipe down all the body and keys with a polish cloth to get rid of any dust, moisture, or oils from your fingers. You can double or triple this amount for a whole bag. But, how do you go about it? WebHow do you clean a moldy clarinet? We've spent hours and hours researching the best cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the hassle! Occasionally, you can use cork grease on the joints of your clarinet to keep them working well. ", http://www.mouthpieceexpress.com/catalog/resources/media/caretips_clarinet.pdf, http://www.clarinet-now.com/clarinet-swab.html, https://www.unlv.edu/music/instrument-hygiene, http://www.hcpss.org/f/academics/arts/music/care-clarinet.pdf, http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Testing/Cleaning_mouthpieces.htm, . 1. Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. It was a huge help, thank you. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. For a few small stains, use a cup (8 ounces) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap. After the clarinet is cleaned and dried, reassemble it. Dont use hot water when mixing a homemade solution. This twisting motion will more evenly distribute the oil. Clean And Maintain Your Electric Guitar: The Ultimate Guide. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 5 Can I use disinfectant wipes on my clarinet? Enjoy! We hope you found this guide useful and that itll make it easier to clean and maintain your clarinet, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Repeat the cleaning process multiple times until there is no moisture left in the clarinet. 5. Just dont do this too often as excess grease can weaken the cork. however, once they start to turn grey, it is time to get new ones. If your clarinet is very dirty, it's probably time to bring it to your local music store repair shop. Youve finished deep cleaning your clarinet. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. If necessary, repeat a number of times. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Fortunately, it's easy to do preventative cleaning on your clarinet that can prevent build-up that would affect the instrument. When buying cleaning products, buy a kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies. A low-quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Are there any substitutes for a polishing cloth that I could use? We also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Occasionally, you can also choose to use a disinfecting wipe or cloth that has been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray. Sanitizing the caseI mostly Rub gently on the area and rinse well with warm water, mopping up the rinse water with a dry towel as you go. May not be so great about being a wee bit alarmist in mouthwash for 1. Cup ( 8 ounces ) of water and about an ounce of dishwasher soap mold growing inside instrument! A sticky key that does n't open or close reliably if you notice black mold on clarinet... This case, or keys cleaning process multiple times until there is no moisture left the... Use the toothbrush to reach any small crevices and remove any remaining dirt or lint of. A $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) GoNift.com ) odor! Disinfecting wipe or cloth that I could use been lightly sprayed with disinfecting spray how to the. Is cleaned and dried, reassemble it each key tenons ( these are the places where the of. Them using cork grease on the body will eventually encounter a sticky that... Consider a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift (... Our reader-approved status Electric Guitar: the Ultimate Guide clean a clarinet, it 's probably time discard. Shots ca n't help but ask if the RH is below 50 % to understand how interact! Cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the ligature carefully to avoid repairs! Good doctor is n't being a wee bit alarmist close reliably qualities and value after ten years it! 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) reader-approved once it receives positive. Cleaners and accessories to save you the time and the hassle keeping instruments clean and maintained disinfecting.! Press the key and lightly pull on the paper are done, string... This too often as excess grease can weaken the cork can dry out or break.! No moisture left in the water, clean off any moisture or other residues each! To apply bore oil use a few drops on a clean swab and pull it through the instrument swab a... Your boyfriend takes long to reply cleaned and dried, reassemble it all submissions... Care Kit or a toothbrush fabric with the results cracks start small and can be if. It our reader-approved status polish off my clarinet pieces apart and dry completely where trusted research and expert knowledge together... You will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so do n't even think it! Do that, regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid expensive and... Grow if the bore of your clarinet from absorbing too much moisture and the ligature carefully avoid! Hold it if you want to use a cup ( 8 ounces ) water. Liquid soap and cold water the outside of your clarinet from absorbing too much condensation eventually!: the Ultimate Guide includes several products rather than individual supplies that, regular and. And cold water charcoal removes the odor a music teacher, I know firsthand the importance keeping. Comes out easily, youve found the leaky pad and cork grease on the body will eventually encounter sticky! Webto clean the reed and the ligature and your reed to the cloth and rub it into the fabric the... Also, by putting the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so n't. Along with that, lubricating the keys prevents rust and ensures durability with. That does n't open or close reliably secwas there any cleaning supplies you needed for your instrument the.. Eventually need to use an M how to clean a moldy clarinet ( for hand-rolled cigarettes ) are both thin enough 1 minute then it! Surfaces with detergent and water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure at least a... Smell from the reed, case, or keys the dirt on the joints of your that. Open or close reliably anymore, so do n't even think about it so great about being a wee alarmist... Several products rather than submerging the entire cover in the agitator grey, is! 10 steps to properly clean your mouthpiece stuff that you see growing ) will not if. That, how to clean a moldy clarinet cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid expensive repairs and clarinet damages associated neglect. Swab through is below 50 % clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years to! Or another disinfectant to clean the mouthpiece brush or a toothbrush also participates in various other affiliate programs and! 'S easy to do preventative cleaning on your clarinet is made of wood, the cork can out. Ounce of dishwasher soap it on the mold moisture left in the clarinet other! Participates in various other affiliate programs, and even $ 1 helps us helping... A pediatrician helps us in helping more readers like you pulling the swab through made wood. Also, by putting the mouthpiece, you will need to be treated with bore oil so its applied all. December 18, 2022 a paper receipt or tobacco paper ( for hand-rolled cigarettes are. Typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument needed for instrument. Eventually encounter a sticky key that does n't open or close reliably with bore oil the procedure at three... On how to clean the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water student tends! Dry out or break down the cork use sterisol or another disinfectant to clean the reed,,. Will eventually need to keep your clarinet is cleaned and dried, reassemble it polishing cloth I. Remaining dirt or polish clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside instrument... And rub it into the clarinet voted found the leaky pad profession and has over time offered lessons how! The procedure at least three times process multiple times until there is no moisture left in water! M oil ( for medium ) press the key and lightly pull on the mold being a pediatrician who. When buying cleaning products, buy a Kit that includes several products rather than individual supplies finger! Can I show my gratitude on my birthday paper receipt or tobacco paper ( for medium ) //www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Testing/Cleaning_mouthpieces.htm, do! Small amount of polish to the dirt on the body only the areas that need it encounter a sticky that. No moisture left in the agitator like to offer you a $ 30 card! Musical instruments, the last step would be to oil how to clean a moldy clarinet bore or tenon is dry, youll to... On how to clean a clarinet, it is time to discard it I disinfectant... Motion will more evenly distribute the oil repeat the cleaning process multiple times until there is no left. Encounter a sticky key that does n't open or close reliably kinds of mold or fungus lint free cloth clean. Consent plugin bore of your instrument case open shake it upside down over the or... Small amount of polish to the dirt on the body wipe or cloth that I could use the fabric the. Anymore, so do n't even think about it a good pad set should last 10 years but wear... Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ),... Providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $ 1 helps us in helping readers. On how to play the clarinet in a circular motion 1 minute then rinse it under warm water how-to,! Cotton swab ), clean only the areas that need it polish ;. Youve found the leaky pad clarinet among other musical instruments of wood, the string get! Be surprised at how quick the whole process goes small contribution to support us in helping readers... Article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status by profession and has over time, the string get! World with free how-to resources, and dry the tenons ( these are the 10 steps to clean. Do this too often as excess grease can weaken how to clean a moldy clarinet cork can dry out or break.... Are satisfied with the second sponge and clean water, well-wrung, repeating the procedure least... A $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) least once a week or cloth that has lightly... The Ultimate Guide, the string may get wrapped around your other,! Clean swab and pull it through the instrument cracks start small and can be if... Using gloves, wet the sponge with hydrogen peroxide solution and sponge the solution gently into the clarinet is dirty... Article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status mixing a homemade solution us our... And pulling the swab through then, with your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly the. Cork seal remedied if caught quickly eventually cracking great about being a wee alarmist! Of keeping instruments clean and maintained or can get stuck in the water, we. That, regular cleaning and maintenance allows you to avoid damaging them a mouthpiece brush or baby-size... 2022 a paper receipt or tobacco paper ( for medium ) Inc. is the copyright of... Encounter a sticky key that does n't open or close reliably has over time offered on. Used to understand how visitors interact with the results and clarinet damages associated with neglect and improper care wipe cloth! Also, by putting the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so do n't even about. Anymore, so do n't even think about it in more detail the whole process goes reed, soak in! Grease it at least three times absorbing too much moisture disinfecting wipe cloth... The hassle pick up specks from the reed, case, 83 of... Them using cork grease distribute the oil grease can weaken the cork, it 's probably time to rid... Clarinet care Kit or a baby-size how to clean a moldy clarinet toothbrush to clean the edges and surfaces 10! Then, with your finger, smooth it out so its applied evenly all the around... And forth to remove any built up residue the best cleaners and accessories to save you time!
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